Chrysler Concorde (2004 year). Manual — part 12

6. Start the engine in the vehicle which has the booster
battery, let the engine idle a few minutes, then start the
engine in the vehicle with the discharged battery.

7. When removing the jumper cables, reverse the above
sequence exactly. Be careful of the moving belts and fan.

DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES

Acceleration

Rapid acceleration on snow covered, wet, or other slip-
pery surfaces may cause the front wheels to pull errati-
cally to the right or left. This phenomenon occurs when
there is a difference in the surface traction under the front
(driving) wheels.

WARNING!

Rapid acceleration on slippery surfaces is danger-
ous. Unequal traction can cause sudden pulling of
the front wheels. You could lose control of the
vehicle and possibly have an accident. Accelerate
slowly and carefully whenever there is likely to be
poor traction (ice, snow, wet, mud, loose sand, etc.).

Traction

When driving on wet or slushy roads, it is possible for a
wedge of water to build up between the tire and road
surface. This is known as hydroplaning and may cause
partial or complete loss of vehicle control and stopping
ability. To reduce this possibility, the following precau-
tions should be observed:

1. Slow down during rainstorms or when roads are
slushy.

2. Slow down if road has standing water or puddles.

3. Replace tires when tread wear indicators first become
visible.

4. Keep tires properly inflated.

5. Maintain sufficient distance between your vehicle and
the vehicle in front of you to avoid a collision in a sudden
stop.

NOTE:

If so equipped, turn on the Traction Control

System to accelerate on slippery surfaces.

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

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6

FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE

If your vehicle is equipped with Traction Control, turn
the system off before attempting to “rock” the vehicle.

If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand or snow, it
can often be moved by a rocking motion. Turn your
steering wheel right and left to clear the area around the
front wheels. Then shift back and forth between Reverse
and Drive. Usually the least accelerator pedal pressure to
maintain the rocking motion without spinning the
wheels is most effective.

CAUTION!

Racing the engine or spinning the wheels too fast
may lead to transmission overheating and failure. It
can also damage the tires. Do not spin the wheels
above 30 mph (48 km/h).

TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE

Only two ways of towing are approved; front towing and
flat bed towing.

CAUTION!

• Do not attempt to tow this vehicle from the front

with sling type towing equipment. Damage to the
front fascia will result.

• Always use wheel lift equipment when towing

from the front. The only other approved method
of towing is with a flat bed truck.

• Do not tow the vehicle from the rear. Damage to

the rear sheet metal and fascia will occur.

• Do not push or tow this vehicle with another

vehicle as damage to the bumper fascia and trans-
axle may result.

If damage to the vehicle prevents towing from the front,
move the vehicle onto a flat bed tow truck.

186

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CONTENTS

䡵 2.7L Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
䡵 3.5L Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
䡵 Onboard Diagnostic System (OBD II) . . . . . . . 191
䡵 Emissions Inspection And Maintenance

Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192

䡵 Replacement Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
䡵 Dealer Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
䡵 Maintenance Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194

▫ Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
▫ Crankcase Emission Control System . . . . . . . . 202
▫ Fuel Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
▫ Air Cleaner Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202

▫ Maintenance-Free Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
▫ Air Conditioner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
▫ Chassis Lubrication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
▫ Drive Shaft Universal Joints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
▫ Body Mechanism Lubrication . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
▫ Windshield Wiper Blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
▫ Windshield Washers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
▫ Exhaust System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
▫ Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
▫ Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses . . . . . . . 214
▫ Brake System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214

7

▫ Fuel System Hoses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
▫ Automatic Transaxle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
▫ Appearance Care And Protection From

Corrosion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220

䡵 Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224

▫ Fuse Block Relays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
▫ Underhood Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224

䡵 Replacement Light Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
䡵 Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227

▫ Headlight, Parking Light Replacement . . . . . . 227
▫ Front Park And Turn Signal Light . . . . . . . . . . 230
▫ Front Sidemarker Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230

▫ Fog Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
▫ Center Stop Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
▫ Tail, Stop, Back Up, And Turn Signal Lights . . 231
▫ License Plate Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232

䡵 Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
䡵 Fluid Capacities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
䡵 Recommended Fluids, Lubricants And

Genuine Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233

▫ Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
▫ Chassis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
▫ Body . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234

188

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

2.7L ENGINE

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

189

7

3.5L ENGINE

190

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM (OBD II)

To meet new government regulations and promote
cleaner air, your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated
onboard diagnostic system called OBD II. This system
monitors the performance of the emissions, engine, and
automatic transaxle control systems. When these systems
are operating properly, your vehicle will provide excel-
lent performance and fuel economy, as well as engine
emissions well within current government regulations.

If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the Malfunction Indicator or Service Engine
Soon Light. It will also store diagnostic codes and other
information to assist your service technician in making
repairs. Although your vehicle will usually be driveable
and not need towing, see your dealer for service as soon
as possible.

CAUTION!

Prolonged driving with the light on could cause
further damage to the emission control system. It
could also affect fuel economy and driveability. The
vehicle must be serviced before any state emissions
tests can be performed.

If the light is flashing, severe catalytic converter damage
and power loss will soon occur. Immediate service is
required.

If the gas cap is not tightened properly, the light may
come on. Be sure the gas cap is tightened every time you
add fuel. Tighten the cap until you hear it “click.”

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

191

7

EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS

In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle’s emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.

For states which have an I/M (Inspection and
Maintenance) requirement, this check verifies the
following: the MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp)

is functioning and is not on when the engine is running,
and that the OBD (On Board Diagnostic) system is ready
for testing.

Normally, the OBD system will be ready. The OBD
system may not be ready if your vehicle was recently
serviced, if you recently had a dead battery, or a battery
replacement. If the OBD system should be determined
not ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.

Your vehicle has a simple ignition key actuated test
which you can use prior to going to the test station. To
check if your vehicle’s OBD system is ready, you must do
the following:

1. Insert your ignition key into the ignition switch.

2. Turn the ignition to the ON position, but do not crank
or start the engine.

3. If you crank or start the engine, you will have to start
this test over.

4. As soon as you turn your key to the ON position, you
will see your MIL symbol come on as part of a normal
bulb check.

5. Approximately 15 seconds later, one of two things will
happen:

a. The MIL will flash for about 10 seconds and then
return to being fully illuminated until you turn off
the ignition key or start the engine. This means that
your vehicle’s OBD system is not ready and you
should not proceed to the I/M station.

b. The MIL will not flash at all and will remain fully
illuminated until you turn off the ignition key or
start the engine. This means that your vehicle’s OBD
system is ready and you can proceed to the I/M
station.

192

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

If your OBD system is not ready, you should see your
authorized dealer or repair facility. If your vehicle was
recently serviced or had a battery failure or replacement,
you may need to do nothing more than drive your
vehicle as you normally would in order for your OBD
system to update. A recheck with the above test routine
may then indicate that the system is now ready.

Regardless of whether your vehicle’s OBD system is
ready or not ready, if the MIL symbol is illuminated
during normal vehicle operation, you should have your
vehicle serviced before going to the I/M station. The I/M
station can fail your vehicle because the MIL symbol is on
with the engine running.

REPLACEMENT PARTS

Use of genuine Mopar

威 parts for normal/scheduled

maintenance and repairs is highly recommended to in-
sure the designed performance. Damage or failures
caused by the use of non-Mopar

威 parts for maintenance

and repairs will not be covered by the manufacturer’s
warranty.

DEALER SERVICE

Your dealer has the qualified service personnel, special
tools and equipment to perform all service operations in
an expert manner. Service Manuals are available which
include detailed service information for your vehicle.
Refer to these manuals before attempting any procedure
yourself.

NOTE:

Intentional tampering with emissions control

systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

193

7

WARNING!

You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Do only that service work for which
you have the knowledge and the proper equipment.
If you have any doubt about your ability to perform
a service job, take your vehicle to a competent
mechanic.

MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES

The pages that follow contain the maintenance service
recommended by the engineers who designed your ve-
hicle.

Besides the maintenance items for which there are fixed
maintenance internals, there are other items that should
operate satisfactorily without periodic maintenance.
However, if a malfunction of these items does occur, it
could adversely affect the engine or vehicle performance.
These items should be inspected if a malfunction is
observed or suspected.

Engine Oil

Checking Oil Level
To assure proper lubrication of your vehicle’s engine, the
engine oil must be maintained, at the correct level. Check
the oil level at regular intervals, such as every fuel stop.

2.7L Engine Oil Dipstick

194

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

The best time to check the oil level is about 5 minutes
after a fully warmed up engine is shut off or before
starting the engine after it has sat overnight.

3.5L Engine Oil Dipstick

Engine Oil Dipstick

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

195

7

Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground also
will improve the accuracy of the oil level readings.
Maintain the oil level between the MIN and MAX
markings on the dipstick. Adding one quart of oil when
the reading is at the MIN mark will result in a MAX
reading on these engines.

2.7L Engine Oil Fill

3.5L Engine Oil Fill

196

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Change Engine Oil
Road conditions and your kind of driving affects the
interval at which your oil should be changed.

• Day or night temperatures are below 32°F (0°C)
• Stop and go driving
• Extensive engine idling
• Driving in dusty conditions
• Short trips of less than 10 miles (16.2 km)
• More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high

speeds during hot weather above 90°F (32°C)

• Trailer towing
• Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial operation)
• Off road or desert operation
• If equipped for and operating with E —85 (ethanol)

fuel

NOTE:

If ANY of these apply to you then change your

engine oil every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months,
whichever comes first and follow schedule “B” of the

⬙Maintenance Schedules⬙ section of this manual.

If none of these apply to you, then change your engine oil
at every interval shown on schedule

⬙A⬙ of the ⬙Mainte-

nance Schedules

⬙ section of this manual.

NOTE:

Under no circumstances should oil change

intervals exceed 6,000 miles (10 000 km) or 6 months
whichever comes first.

CAUTION!

Overfilling or underfilling the crankcase will cause
oil aeration or loss of oil pressure. This could dam-
age your engine.

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

197

7

Engine Oil Selection
For best performance and maximum protection under all
types of operating conditions, we only recommend en-
gine oils that are API Certified and meet the requirements
of DaimlerChrysler’s Material Standard MS-6395. Use
Mopar or an equivalent oil meeting the specification
MS-6395.

American Petroleum Institute (API) Engine Oil
Identification Symbol

This symbol means that the oil has
been certified by the American
Petroleum Institute (API). We
only recommend API Certified en-
gine oils that meet the require-
ments of DaimlerChrysler’s Mate-
rial Standard MS-6395. Use Mopar
or an equivalent oil meeting the
specification MS-6395.

Engine Oil Viscosity Charts

NOTE:

The first Viscosity Chart (5W-30 Preferred) is for

the 2.7L engine only while the next chart (10W-30 Pre-
ferred) is for the 3.5L engine only.

2.7L Engine Oil Chart

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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

The proper SAE viscosity grade of engine oil should be
selected based on the following recommendations and be
within the operating temperature shown in the engine oil
viscosity charts.

SAE 10W-30 engine oil is preferred for use in 3.5L engines
within the operating temperatures shown in the viscosity
chart. SAE 5W-30 engine oil is allowed for use in the 3.5L
engines during cold weather only to improve cold
weather starting.

SAE 5W-30 oil is preferred for use in 2.7L engines within
the operating temperatures shown in the viscosity chart.
You are highly encouraged to use SAE 5W-30 oils to aid
in low temperature starting and for improved fuel
economy.

Synthetic Engine Oils
There are a growing number of engine oils being pro-
moted as either synthetic or semi-synthetic. If you choose
to use such a product, use only those oils that meet the
American Petroleum Institute (APIJ) and SAE viscosity
standard. Follow the service schedule that describes your
driving type.

Materials Added To Engine Oils
The manufacturer strongly recommends against the ad-
dition of any additives (other than leak detection dyes) to
engine oil. Engine oil is an engineered product and it’s
performance may be impaired by supplemental addi-
tives.

Disposing of Used Engine Oil
Care should be taken in disposing of used engine oil from
your vehicle. Used oil, indiscriminately discarded, can
present a problem to the environment. Contact your

3.5L Engine Oil Chart

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

199

7

dealer, service station, or governmental agency for advice
on how and where used oil can be safely discarded in
your area.

Engine Oil Filter
The engine oil filter should be replaced at every engine
oil change.

Engine Oil Filter Selection
All manufacturer’s engines have a full-flow type dispos-
able oil filter. Use a filter of this type for replacement. The
quality of replacement filters varies considerably. Only
high quality filters should be used to assure most efficient
service. Mopar Engine Oil Filters are high quality oil
filters and are recommended.

Drive Belts — Check Condition and Tension
At the mileage shown in the maintenance schedules,
check all drive belts for condition and proper tension.
Improper belt tension can cause belt slippage and failure.

Inspect the drive belts for evidence of cuts, cracks, or
glazing and replace them if there is any sign of damage
which could result in belt failure. If adjustment is re-
quired, adjust the belts according to the specifications

and procedures shown in the Service Manual. See the
Consumer Assistance section for information on ordering
a Service Manual.

Special tools are required to properly measure tension
and to restore belt tension to factory specifications. Also,
check belt routing to make sure there is no interference
between the belts and other engine components.

Spark Plugs
Spark plugs must fire properly to assure engine perfor-
mance and emission control. New plugs should be in-
stalled at the mileage specified in the appropriate main-
tenance chart. The entire set should be replaced if there is
any malfunction due to a faulty spark plug. Check the
specifications section for the proper type of spark plug
for use in your vehicle.

Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter requires the use of unleaded fuel
only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the effectiveness of the
catalyst as an emission control device.

200

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE